Photos: Owen Hargreaves Makes Man Utd Comeback For Reserves

Good news. England midfielder Owen Hargreaves finally made his comeback after 18 months out with tendinitis in both knees. He turned out for Man Utd’s Reserves against Burnley on Thursday evening, surviving 45 minutes without alarm – by some accounts he looked surprisingly sharp.

“It was great today. I’m happy I can be back with an 11 against 11 and a referee,” Hargreaves said after his comeback. “I feel good. It’s about managing the injury and trying not to do too much.”

With three months until the World Cup, it’s still possible that Hargeaves could make a late case for inclusion in England’s squad of 23 – though I suspect Fabio Capello might need a lot of persuading. But Owen’s versatility and intelligence would be a real plus for the Three Lions – he can play right-back, right wing and as a holding midfielder (his best position).